Navigating the various college application deadlines can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process. Below, we break down the different options at Merrimack College to help you decide which path is best for you.
November 15
Early Decision I
This option is perfect if Merrimack is your #1 choice and you know wholeheartedly that it’s the right place for you. Early Decision I is a binding decision, meaning you must enroll at Merrimack if admitted. You can still apply to other schools, but only one Early Decision application can be active at a time and you must withdraw all other applications once you’ve been admitted.
Application Due: November 15
Decision Released: mid-December
Deposit Due: January 15
Pros:
✔️ Secures your spot in the class early = more time to celebrate!
Cons:
✖️ Deposits are due before you have the chance to attend Admitted Student Days or receive a full financial aid package (if filing the FAFSA)
Early Action I
This option is great if you want your decision as soon as possible but still want to keep your options open. Early Action I is non-binding, so you can apply to multiple schools without making any commitments. This plan gives you time to compare your offers and attend admitted student events before making your final decision.
Application Due: November 15
Decision Released: mid-December
Deposit Due: May 1
Pros:
✔️ Keeps your options open and provides plenty of time to decide
Cons:
✖️ Early Action Deadlines can vary across schools so it can be hard to keep track of them all
January 15
Early Decision II
If Merrimack becomes your top choice later in the process, Early Decision II offers another chance to apply with a binding commitment. Similar to ED I, this decision requires you to enroll if admitted and withdraw all other applications.
Application Due: January 15
Decision Released: February 1
Deposit Due: March 1
Pros:
✔️ Can attend Admitted Student Events in February before deposits are due
Cons:
✖️ Very little wiggle room if you change your mind
Early Action II
Early Action II is another non-binding deadline for students who are still exploring their options or maybe didn’t like their ED/EA I application results. By this point in the process, you might even have first semester grades to share, too! Applying by this deadline means you’ll still get your decision in time to attend our first Admitted Student Day in February.
Application Due: January 15
Decision Released: February 1
Deposit Due: May 1
Pros:
✔️ Still keeps your options open but gets you a decision early enough to attend our first admitted student events
Cons:
✖️ Early Action deadlines can vary across schools so you might still be waiting to hear back which can leave you feeling stuck
February 15
Regular Decision
This option is for students who need more time to prepare their application; maybe you were working on improving your grades or writing your essay or picking a major. Whatever the case may be, Merrimack has a process in place to ensure we’ll have space in the class for you and the same scholarship consideration as early applicants!
Application Due: February 15
Decision Released: March 1
Deposit Due: May 1
Pros:
✔️ More time to perfect your application and put your best foot forward
Cons:
✖️ May miss out on some early admitted student events (but there’s plenty more in March and April!)
August 15
Rolling Admission
If you need even more time to explore your options, or plans change for any reason, Rolling Admission offers the greatest flexibility. You can apply after all other deadlines have passed—even the May 1 deposit deadline! Merrimack will continue to review applications and release decisions on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.
Application Due: February 16 – August 15
Decision Released: Weekly starting in March
Deposit Due: Based on when you apply
Pros:
✔️ Maximum flexibility and time; if things change at any point (finances, plans, your major, your mind, anything!) you can still apply to Merrimack!
Cons:
✖️ Latest decision notification; depending on when you apply, you could miss out on things like Admitted Student Days or Summer Orientation
Final Tips
Remember, every college has different deadlines, so keep track of key dates for each school you apply to. Create a calendar and set reminders to stay organized and ensure you don’t miss a thing!
